7.5

Convert videos to the format of your choice

Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate is a fast and easy-to-use video file converter tool that lets you convert almost any type of video and make it playable on mobile devices.

If an application can become addictive in terms of everyday use, Xilisoft's Video Converter Ultimate is one of them. It has a nice-looking interface, but we can't say it's very intuitive. However, once users go through the long list of options, subsequent movie conversions will be a piece of cake. Xilisoft Video Converter supports a ton of formats, and we find that very useful, as you can have … Read more

Nokia could launch entry-level Windows Phone 7.5 handsets, says report

Nokia may offer entry-level Windows Phone 7.5 devices by year's end, according to DigiTimes.

Citing the usual "industry sources," DigiTimes said the new phones would be aimed at consumers in emerging markets, who are considered more price-sensitive.

The hardware requirements for Windows Phone 8 are stricter than those for its predecessor, demanding a dual-core processor and support for near-field communication (NFC). Those features would be difficult to add to more entry-level and mid-level phones, according to the sources, prompting the need for less pricey Windows Phone 7.5 devices.

A Nokia spokesman told CNET that the … Read more

Block specific programs with Process Blocker

Process Blocker is a simple utility that lets you block access to specific programs or processes. If you need to keep children or employees off of chat, solitaire, and other time-wasters, this is an easy solution. It's also an effective way to block some types of malware while you figure out a more permanent way of dealing with the attack.

Process Blocker has a simple interface that's easy to navigate. The blocked applications list displays a list of everything that the program has been set to disable; to add to the list, click the Add button and then … Read more

The latest mess in Facebook's IPO

In today's show, Facebook shareholders are fuming, Windows Phones need updating and Prime subscribers are streaming:

Facebook and several banks have been slapped with a lawsuit, accused of hiding some details about revenue estimates days before the stock went public. The charge is this: Facebook spoke with select analysts about additional information on revenue expectations than what was disclosed in amended filings. Smaller investors are upset they were left out of the loop, and say they lost money because they didn't know the full picture. But even if Facebook did give extra info to analysts, it's not … Read more

Windows Phone users must update to 7.5 or else...

Anyone with a Windows Phone that hasn't been upgraded to version 7.5 won't be able to use Microsoft's Marketplace app store as of today.

Microsoft announced today that in order to download, buy, update, or review apps in Marketplace, users have to be running Windows Phone 7.5. This change is required for both the phone and web Marketplace storefronts.

"Most phones are already running Windows Phone 7.5, which was released last fall, and so most of you won't notice anything different about how the Marketplace works," Microsoft's director of program … Read more

How to enable group messaging on Windows Phone 7.5

Group messaging makes it easy to hold a conversation with multiple recipients all in one thread. Unfortunately, this feature is turned off on devices running Windows Phone 7.5 by default.

To enable group messaging:

Open the Settings app. Scroll to the right, where the Applications section is located. Open the Messaging option. Toggle the Group Messaging switch to the on position.

Going forward, when you're included in a group conversation, or send a message to multiple recipients, the conversation should appear in the same thread. Keep in mind, group messaging uses MMS messages instead of SMS in order … Read more

Windows Phone 7.5 update to expand SMS functionality

In addition to lowering its minimum requirements for building Windows Phones, Microsoft announced at Mobile World Congress today that it will add support for multiple attachments to SMS messages.

The new functionality is part of the upcoming Windows Phone 7.5 Tango update due out this spring and includes the option to attach numerous pictures, video, and audio notes to text messages.

Microsoft didn't provide more specific details about the update release schedule but said the new lower-end phones, such as the Nokia Lumia 610, will come preloaded with the software update, while current Windows Phone 7 device owners … Read more

Samsung Focus S, Focus Flash hitting AT&T Nov. 6

America's first "4G" Windows phone is right around the corner. AT&T recently announced pricing and availability for the Samsung Focus S, which will run on AT&T's HSPA+ network (not AT&T's 4G LTE).

Starting November 6, you'll be able to pick up the higher-end Focus S for $199.99, along with the budget and Samsung Focus Flash for just $49.99. Both require a new two-year contract and a minimum $15-per-month data plan. … Read more

Windows Phone 7.5 users: Our keyboards keep disappearing

Mango may have been bitten by its first big bug.

Users who have upgraded to the version 7.5 of Microsoft's Windows Phone are complaining that their keyboards randomly disappear or fail to appear when needed. Both Twitter and the XDA Developers forum have received a swarm of messages from Mango users reporting the glitch.

Apparently, people will either touch the input field only to find that the keyboard fails to pop up or be typing an e-mail or IM or other text, and the keyboard will suddenly vanish. The issue appears to be affecting a fair number of … Read more

Navigon GPS app navigates to Windows Phone 7

As promised a few months ago, Navigon announced today that its mobile turn-by-turn navigation application is now available on the Windows Phone 7 platform. The app, Navigon for Windows Phone 7, works only on the newly released version 7.5 of the mobile operating system, aka Mango.

Similar to the company's iOS and Android apps, Navigon for Windows Phone 7 doesn't require a live cellular data connection to work as it stores maps on the phone. This means you can continue to navigate even when the phone is away from cell coverage. Navigon says the app includes spoken turn-by-turn directions, visual lane guidance, and live traffic information and rerouting, among many other features.

Taking advantage of Windows Phone 7.5, which offers developers better access to the operating system's functions, the app has an augmented reality function called Reality Scanner, providing an instant and easy way to identify nearby destinations while on foot; an option to select address information directly from the phone's contact list; and the ability to save a favorite or home address as a shortcut on the start screen.… Read more